Clinton Public SchoolsReopening Presentation

July 27, 2020

IntroductionOutline of Presentation:

● Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Expectations & Guidance

● Clinton Data, Goals, and Plan Development● District-Wide Considerations● Reopening Plans

○ Full, Hybrid, Remote

Video: MA DESE v6 072320

3

Getting students and educators back to school in-person, safely, relies on a combination of strategies, including key health and safety measures

Primary route of transmission for COVID-19 is respiratory. Masks/ face coverings protect against COVID-19 infection (study estimates 80% effectiveness in reducing transmission1)

Masks/ face coverings

Physical distancing helps mitigate virus transmission. Aim for six feet between individuals when feasible; a minimum physical distance of three feet is appropriate as informed by evidence when combined with the other measures outlined in the list of safety requirements

Physical distancing

Handwashing removes pathogens from the hands. While handwashing with soap and water is the best option, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent ethanol or at least 70 percent isopropanol) may be utilized when handwashing is not available

Handwashing / hand sanitizing

Students and educators should stay home if they are sick or have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19

Staying home when sick

1. https://gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/5/5/e002794.full.pdf

DESE Expectations & Guidance● A reopening plan that addresses:

○ Full Reopening○ Hybrid○ Remote Learning

● Two-Step Process for Submitting Reopening Plans○ July 31 - “Preliminary Reopening Plan Summary”○ August 10 - “Comprehensive Plan Document”

5

Each district and school needs to plan for three possibilities on the continuum of reopening

Upcoming DESE Guidance Reopening Plans Health & Safety Requirements

Learning takes place remotely

Students learn in-person with new safety requirements

Students learn both in-person and remote

Return without restrictions

In-person learning with new safety requirements

Hybrid learning Remote learning

Students return in-person and restrictions are lifted

1 2 3

Continuum of fall reopening models

Our goal for fall: to get as many students as possible back into schools for in-person learning – safely

Available in the event districts/schools are unable to bring all students back to school despite best efforts, or in case of COVID-19 related circumstances

Available for individual students who cannot yet return in-person and for all students in the event of future closures due to COVID-19

Across all three models all districts and schools need a plan for how special populations will receive necessary services and accommodations

DESE Expectations & Guidance● June 25 - Initial Fall Reopening Guidance● July 9 - Guidance on Fall 2020 Special Education Services● July 15 - Two-Step Process for District Fall Reopening Plans● July 17 - Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 scenarios in school, on the

bus, or in a community setting● July 22 - Fall Reopening Transportation Guidance● July 22 - Fall Reopening Facilities and Operations Guidance● July 24 - Guidance for Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations for

Fall 2020● July 24 - Remote Learning Guidance for Fall 2020

Clinton DataClinton COVID-19 Cases:

Clinton Board of Health Website: https://www.clintonma.gov/176/Public-Health-Department

COVID-19 Cases

June 24 July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22

Clinton 245 249 253 257 258

Clinton Data - Parent Survey● 723 Responses representing 1165 Students (61% of Enrolled Students)● 57.9% Will Return, 13.6% Will Not, 28.5% Undecided● Preferred Hybrid Model - Alternating Weeks - 38.9%● Primary Concerns:

○ Public health guidance and regulations would not be followed○ Classrooms and other student gathering places would not be properly disinfected○ The availability of disinfecting materials and safety supplies

● Remote Learning - 98.3% Have Internet Access● Food Service - 15% would require access to food● Most Important Components of Remote Learning:

○ Student interest and Engagement○ Direct contract and interaction with teacher and classmates○ Student receives feedback on their work

Clinton Data - Staff Survey● 220 Responses (83% of Teachers, 84% of Instructional Assistants)● 95.9% of staff intend to return, 4.1% undecided● How Comfortable they are returning (1-10) - 6.8 Average

○ 44% - 8, 9, or 10○ 11% - 1, 2, or 3

● Preferred Hybrid Model - Alternating Weeks - 43.6%● Primary Concerns:

○ Public health guidance and regulations would not be followed○ Readjustments to Classroom Life

● Most Important Components of Remote Learning:○ Consistency in Expectations for Student Engagement○ That learning includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities○ Direct contract and interaction with teacher and classmates

Clinton Public Schools GoalsGOAL 1: Support the physical wellness of each student and staff member by implementing practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.GOAL 2: Support the mental wellness of students and staff during the transition back to school and cope with trauma from the school closure.GOAL 3: Assess the readiness of all learners and provide appropriate academic interventions.GOAL 4: Meet the needs of all learners in the classroom by removing barriers to learning through the implementation of a Universal Design for Learning framework.GOAL 5: Incorporate the use of technology into the UDL framework to support a transition to remote learning as necessary.GOAL 6: Promote social justice and racial equality by continuing to address unconscious bias, bias in the curriculum, and working to support families and students for whom English is not their primary language.

Clinton Public Schools - Plan Development

● Ability to move between full-hybrid-remote seamlessly● Technology

○ 1:1 across the district (with hotspots for those who need them)○ Assessment Software to address learning gaps○ Online/Digital curriculum to support remote learning

● Phased Reopening○ Phase 1 - Professional Development for Teachers○ Phase 2 - Reacclimation of Students to School○ Phase 3 - Reopening/Starting Classes

CPS District-wide Considerations

● School Calendar○ Front load all professional development days○ Have two evening events during the PD days○ Make use of any school calendar flexibility by the DESE○ Possible first days of school:

■ September 3■ September 11■ September 18

CPS - Parent Meetings/Student Reacclimation ● Early August - All parents will be asked to “register” their student

○ Returning to School or Full Remote Option○ If returning to school, do you require bus transportation?○ If returning to school, do you have hybrid scheduling considerations:

■ Multiple last names in one household■ Childcare considerations■ Other considerations

● Early September - All parents will be asked to attend an orientation meeting with their student to address:

○ Health history/concerns○ Safety & Hygiene Protocols○ Technology - issue chromebook and login/password information○ Registration Paperwork

GOAL 1: CPS Health & Safety

● District Safety Committee - will serve as the district COVID-19 response committee

● Facilities - ○ Ventilation

■ HVAC Systems have been serviced and are operational○ Cleaning & Disinfecting

■ Custodians will all be on during the day shift■ Contracted out cleaning/disinfecting for after hours/as needed

CPS Health & Safety● Hygiene & Sanitizing

○ Students will wash hands/use hand sanitizer when entering/exiting the building, joining a new cohort, before/after eating, and after mask breaks

○ Hand sanitizer has been ordered and received by the district○ Additional sinks/hand washing stations have been ordered by the district○ Signage regarding proper hand washing will be posted

● Personal Protective Equipment○ Grades 2 - 12 REQUIRED to wear a face covering ○ Grade K & 1 ENCOURAGED to wear a face covering○ Students are expected to provide their own○ The district will provide PPE for staff, some staff will require gloves, gowns, face shields,

and/or medical grade masks.

CPS Health & Safety● Social Distancing

○ Three (3) feet apart is the minimum (with a mask)○ Six (6) feet apart is the goal (required without a mask)○ All desks must face the same direction○ Hallways will be marked or made one way to ensure social distancing○ Signage will be posted as needed to remind students of social distancing○ Lockers and locker rooms will not be used

● Other Considerations○ Visitors shall be restricted - by appointment only○ Daily substitutes will not be called○ Drop-off/Pick-up procedures will be modified (PikMyKid)

CPS Health & SafetyDO NOT SEND YOUR STUDENT TO SCHOOL IF THEY MAY BE SICK

● COVID-19 SYMPTOMS: ○ Fever (over 100.4), chills or shaking chills○ Cough, not due to another known cause○ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath○ New loss of taste or smell○ Sore throat○ Headache, when in combination with other symptoms○ Muscle aches or body aches○ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea○ Fatigue, with in combination with other symptoms○ Nasal congestion or runny nose, (not due to a known condition) in combo with others

CPS Health & SafetyProcess for Responding to Potential or Confirmed Cases:

Common Elements

● Evaluate Symptoms● Separate from others

○ Each building will have a negative pressure isolation room

● Clean and Disinfect spaces visited by the person● Test for COVID-19 and stay home while awaiting results

CPS Health & SafetyIf an Individual is Symptomatic:

● Sent home from isolation room - not on school bus● Must wear a mask until picked up● Return to school:

○ If Test is Negative: Return to school once asymptomatic for 24 hours○ If Test is Positive: Remain home in self-isolation for a minimum of 10 days, and 3 days with no

fever and improved symptoms○ If Not Tested: Remain home in self-isolation for 14 days from symptom onset

CPS Health & SafetyIf an Individual is Exposed to a COVID-19 Positive Individual:

● Sent home from isolation room - not on school bus● Must wear a mask until picked up● Return to school:

○ If Test is Negative: Return to school once asymptomatic for 24 hours○ If Test is Positive: Remain home in self-isolation for a minimum of 10 days, and 3 days with no

fever and improved symptoms○ If Not Tested: Remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure

CPS Health & SafetyContract Tracing: Attendance will be taken each period to assist with contact tracing. A record of any visitors to the building will be kept. All are asked to cooperate with state contact tracers to the extent possible, while maintaining confidentiality.

School Closure: District or School closure decisions will be made in consultation with the Clinton Board of Health and the DESE. Suspected in-school transmission, beyond an isolated cohort, could result in a short closure (1-3 days) for extensive cleaning or for an extended 14 day quarantine period.

District-Wide Logistical ConsiderationsLength of School Day

Grades Start Time Dismissal Time

9-12 7:25 1:20

7 & 8 8:00 1:50

5 & 6 8:30 2:20

2, 3, & 4 9:00 2:50

K & 1 9:30 3:20

Pre-K TBD TBD

School Bus Transportation● Masks - All staff and students on the bus, regardless of age, are required to wear

masks at all times. ● Distance - Students should be seated no more than one student per bench, alternating

sides for each row, which allows students to maintain approximately 3 feet of physical distance. Children from the same household may sit together and in closer proximity.○ Approximately 25 students on a full sized bus

● Ventilation - Keep windows open at all times during operation, unless not possible due to extreme weather conditions.

● Seat Assignments - Students should be assigned to a single bus and particular seat. The seat assignments should correspond to pick-up and drop-off order.

● Bus Monitors - Districts are asked to consider bus monitors. CPS will work with our bus vendor, Dee Bus, to assess the necessity of bus monitors to assist with adherence to these health and safety guidelines.

District-Wide Logistical Considerations● Pre-Kindergarten

○ All students (3 & 4 yr olds) who have an IEP stating they would be attending Pre-K○ All typical peer 4 year old students who attended as 3 year olds○ No new typical peers at this time

● Before & After School “Daycare”○ Suspended until further notice

● Meeting the needs of all Students - Statewide guidance will be followed to meet the needs of all students in regards to:

○ Special Education○ English Learners○ Students on 504 plans

Reopening Plans - Full Reopening● Reassign staff (within their licensed areas) to reduce class size

○ In Grades PK-8 Staff will all be assigned to a grade level or team. The staff assigned to this grade level or team will use a daily schedule to provide substitute coverage, student support, and limited access to “specials”

● Shorten the school day (but still meeting time on learning) to reduce exposure○ Grades Pk-4 will be in single classroom cohorts○ Grades 5 & 6 will be in two classroom cohorts○ Grades 7 & 8 will be in teamed cohorts○ Grades 7-12 have switched to block scheduling to minimize contact with others during the day

● Stagger the start times of different grades to accommodate transportation○ NOTE: FULL REOPENING DOES NOT APPEAR POSSIBLE AT THIS TIME BASED ON

TRANSPORTATION GUIDANCE

Grades 1-4 Full Reopening Classroom

-----6 feet-----

-----6 feet---------

-6 feet-----

Reopening Plans - Remote Learning● All students will be issued a device for remote learning● All grades will use specific uniform digital learning platforms

○ Learning Management System - Google Classroom○ Collaboration Tools - Google Meet, Google Drive, Google Calendar○ Content Platforms-

■ K-6 - Greatminds for ELA & Math■ K-8 - iReady for assessment and addressing learning gaps in ELA & Math■ 6-12 - Online Curriculum TBD - Currently meeting with Vendors

● State to identify recommended platform for full time remote option ○ Single Sign-on Platform - Clever

● Classes will follow a schedule similar to the in-person schedule● Attendance will be taken● Assignments will be graded

Reopening Plans - Hybrid Plan● Mix of the full-reopening plan & remote learning● Students will have one week in-person then one week remote● Groups will be split alphabetically to try to keep families on the same week● High needs students will be able to attend both weeks● 6 feet of social distancing will possible in each classroom● The remote week would be mostly independent learning with some

opportunities for office hours/extra help/check-ins with staff members● Attendance during the remote week would be captured through the digital

learning platforms

Grades 1-4 Hybrid

Classroom

(same as previous slide

With measurements)

--3 feet--Between

all desks

--6 feet--

Student Week 1

Student Week 1 Student

Week 2

Student Week 2

-----6 feet between students-----

Desks not to be used between

weeks

Student Week 1

Student Week 1

Student Week 2

Student Week 2

--6 feet---

--6 feet----6 feet--

Recommended Plan

● Delay the First Day of School as long as possible, based on DESE time on learning requirements, to provide time for training and meeting with students and families

● Open the year in a Hybrid model to ensure Social Distancing and allow “space” to work out any logistical issues - Plan on this model for one month (2 cycles)

● Adjust plans going forward based on the current state and local data

Next Steps● Email District Plan & Virtual Meeting Invitations to all parents● Hold Virtual Parent Meetings - WEDNESDAY JULY 29

○ District Level - 6:00○ Clinton Elementary School - 6:30○ Clinton Middle School - 7:00○ Clinton High School - 7:30

● Make adjustments to Draft 2 based on feedback and guidance● Present “Final Plan” to School Committee on 8/10 and submit to DESE● Adjust school calendar on 8/10● Get “Registration” form out to parents and guardians - Early August

Clinton Public SchoolsReopening Presentation

July 27, 2020